SmackDown Recap: October 16, 2018

The historic 1000th episode of Smackdown, where Evolution reunites. Also starring Rey Mysterio and The Undertaker!

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WWE SmackDown Recap: October 16, 2018

S18 episode 42 Aired on October 16, 2018

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An absolutely loaded SmackDown 1000 saw Rey Mysterio make an unbelievable return to the blue brand, cameos from Mr. McMahon, Batista, Ric Flair and Edge, as well as The Big Show making a catastrophic impact on the SmackDown Tag Team division.

Despite “Truth TV” (technically) being cancelled a few weeks ago, R-Truth and Carmella settled in to kick off the historic SmackDown 1000 with guests Shane McMahon and Stephanie McMahon ... or so we thought. The current SmackDown LIVE Commissioner and former blue brand General Manager started off jovial enough, reflecting on the amazing history of the blue brand.

The good vibes subsided, however, as Stephanie and Shane were quick to get into their usual brother/sister banter, even arguing about which brand (Raw or SmackDown LIVE was superior) until Mr. McMahon shockingly arrived to set them straight!

The Chairman addressed those in the ring and then spoke to the WWE Universe, wondering aloud how they would entertain everyone tonight. The solution wound up being simple… DANCE BREAK!

SmackDown 1000? More like 619! Yes, Rey Mysterio made his long-awaited return to the blue brand in grand (strong) style as he took on Shinsuke Nakamura in a dream match to determine the final entrant in the WWE World Cup!

The two international icons threw down in a mat classic that had the WWE Universe beaming with excitement and anticipation. It was as if no time had passed, as Mysterio stayed true to form by flying through the air and taking chance after chance between the blue ropes. WWE’s Rockstar attempted to wear down The Biggest Little Man with his pounding ground attack, but Mysterio was feeling the vibes, and Nakamura was soon reeling due to Rey’s explosive attack. However, Nakamura refused to go down quietly and leveled Rey with several punishing strikes. Mysterio kept getting back up, however, and he found an opening to connect with a picture-perfect 619 and followed up with a Frog Splash to claim victory in his return match to advance to the WWE World Cup.

The Undertaker wouldn’t allow SmackDown 1000 to conclude without his presence being felt. The chilling gong emanated throughout the arena, and The Deadman entered the ring to deliver a very simple, direct message to Triple H and Shawn Michaels. At WWE Crown Jewel, they will indeed rest in peace.

In other action … The Usos def. Daniel Bryan & AJ Styles … Evolution’s reunion ended on a tense note … The Miz def. Rusev to qualify for the WWE World Cup … Becky Lynch and Charlotte Flair exchange jaw-dropping words on “The Cutting Edge” … The Bar def. The New Day to win the SmackDown Tag Team Titles.

Gallery Recap

Batista in the October 16th, 2018 edition of WWE SmackDown, SmackDown 1000.

WWE SmackDown Live: October 16, 2018

WWE SmackDown Live: October 16, 2018

The Bar in the October 16th, 2018 edition of WWE SmackDown, SmackDown 1000.

WWE SmackDown Live: October 16, 2018

WWE SmackDown Live: October 16, 2018

The Usos in the October 16th, 2018 edition of WWE SmackDown, SmackDown 1000.

WWE SmackDown Live: October 16, 2018

WWE SmackDown Live: October 16, 2018

AJ Styles in the October 16th, 2018 edition of WWE SmackDown, SmackDown 1000.

WWE SmackDown Live: October 16, 2018

WWE SmackDown Live: October 16, 2018

Daniel Bryan in the October 16th, 2018 edition of WWE SmackDown, SmackDown 1000.

WWE SmackDown Live: October 16, 2018

WWE SmackDown Live: October 16, 2018

Ray Mysterio in the October 16th, 2018 edition of WWE SmackDown, SmackDown 1000.

WWE SmackDown Live: October 16, 2018

WWE SmackDown Live: October 16, 2018

The Undertaker in the October 16th, 2018 edition of WWE SmackDown, SmackDown 1000.

WWE SmackDown Live: October 16, 2018

WWE SmackDown Live: October 16, 2018

Shinsuke Nakamura in the October 16th, 2018 edition of WWE SmackDown, SmackDown 1000.

WWE SmackDown Live: October 16, 2018

WWE SmackDown Live: October 16, 2018

The Undertaker in the October 16th, 2018 edition of WWE SmackDown, SmackDown 1000.

WWE SmackDown Live: October 16, 2018

WWE SmackDown Live: October 16, 2018

Becky Lynch in the October 16th, 2018 edition of WWE SmackDown, SmackDown 1000.

WWE SmackDown Live: October 16, 2018

S18 EP42

See the images for the October 16, 2018 edition of "WWE SmackDown Live."